RamblingRat Expeditions Benefitting Street Kids International
In June 2008, Tim Dennis of Dalbeattie, Scotland sold his house to finance a solo unsupported round-the-world expedition in a customised Toyota Land Cruiser.
Tim’s expedition has taken him 40,000 miles across the breadth of Europe and Russia to Japan, by sea to Vancouver, up to Alaska and all the way through Canada to New York. Tim spent 12 months on the road, covering 29,980 road miles, using 7,935 litres of diesel and 70 litres of oil to drive through 12 countries on 3 continents. He took 6 ships to cover a total of 9,360 miles crossing 3 oceans. He travelled a total distance of 39,340 miles.
"This is an ongoing sustainable project, not just a quick little trip around the world," says Tim. "Working with Street Kids International has been a real eye opener for me because I can really see the impact their work has on young people’s lives."
Tim will soon embark on the Trans America leg of his expedition taking him through the USA, Central and South America to the southern tip of Argentina.
Meanwhile Neil and Silvie Rautenbach are in London gearing up for their "RamblingRat Africa" expedition. They will appear with their vehicle at the Peterborough Land Rover Show on 12-13th September.
Vehicles Both vehicles are Toyota Land Cruiser 80 series 4.2L Diesels.
The focus for the Round the World vehicle was on insulating its living space and engine components against the cold. The vehicle is fitted with a tiny internal berth with three sources of heat to cope with temperatures below - 45oC. To cross the Chinese border in eastern Siberia a large second fuel tank was fitted to give the vehicle a total of 260 ltrs of diesel and range to travel the longest fuelless road sections in the world.
In contrast, the Africa Land Cruiser will drive through the Sahara Desert so it has been prepared to a much lighter specification with a 2” suspension lift and All Terrain tyres to handle African rural roads. It is fitted with a roofrack and rooftop tent for camping under the stars and Jerry cans are used for fuel to prevent contamination as African fuel quality is poor.
Street Kids International: Catalyst for Better Lives.
Street Kids International is a charity which develops and disseminates innovative training and tools to give street kids around the world the knowledge, skills and opportunities to make a better life for themselves. Having reached more than 2 million street kids in over 60 countries, Street Kids International has been recognised by the United Nations as a Global Best practice leader in youth work.
